A man (27) has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Barkley West Regional Court for raping a woman (24) in Holpan, near Windsorton on 29 January 2022. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, the victim who is from Barkley West, visited her friends in Windsorton for the day and later on requested to be ferried back home.
Sam said, however, friends refused and she ended up meeting the accused, Allister Gustav Fummers, who offered to accompany her to her aunt’s house in the same area.
“She could not gain access to her aunt’s place and ended up sleeping at her cousin’s shanty in the same yard. While she was sleeping, she felt someone sexually assaulting her and noticed that its the cousin’s friend, who accompanied her to the aunt’s house.
“She tried pushing him away, but the suspect overpowered her and continued raping her. She was rescued by her cousin from the accused and alerted the police,” said Sam.
Meanwhile, Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the Barkley West FCS , investigating officer Detective Sergeant George Mosime for the sterling investigation that secured a prison sentence for the perpetrator.
She said community is assured that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) are brought to book and the police will continue to ensure that, GBVF victims are protected and feel safe.
The Kimberley police said they are delighted and pleased to inform the public that, Letitia Bucks (29) has been found and united with her family. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Bucks, who resides at Wit pad Diamond park, Greenpoint in Kimberley, was last seen by her mom and congregants on 16 April 2023.
Sam said Bucks allegedly stepped out of church in Florianville, telling her mom she is going to the bathroom and did not return ever since.
“At the time, she was wearing a black and white tight dress, a pink and red hoody tracksuit jacket and white flops. However, the slim body with dark brown curly short hair, Bucks with an “L” shaped gold slit in her teeth, was found.
“The police wishes to thank the media for disseminating the missing person’s information and the public for alerting the police when they found her. The police will assist the family in obtaining the necessary assistance and support,” he said.
By OBAKENG MAJE The Electoral Commission has extended its gratitude to the millions of South Africans who heeded the call to use the registration weekends to register for the forthcoming National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024). The IEC spokesperson, Kate Bapela said the two registration weekends have given the country a growth of 1,2 million on the voters’ roll.
Bapela further said following these two registration drives, the voters’ roll now stands at 27.4 million. She added that, regarding the past registration weekend, over 2 060 754 citizens interacted with the Commission by either visiting the 23 303 voting stations or using the online voter registration portal.
“The interactions ranged from applying for registration as new voters or updating the registration details in the case of those already registered. Of the 2 million transactions recorded this past weekend, 457 384 or 22% were new entrants on the voters’ roll. A total of 1 606 370 or 88% inspected and updated their registration details.
“This is in line with the message that a voter must register and vote in the voting district where they reside, unless they notify the Commission of an intention to vote elsewhere. The applications at voting stations totalled 1 818 379, whereas the online applications gave a total yield of 240 789,” she said.
Bapela said in terms of the overall provincial outcomes, Kwazulu-Natal recorded 2510 670 transactions, Gauteng 452 596, the Eastern Cape comes in third at 305 460 transactions. She said regarding new registrations, 77% are young persons under the age of 29 entering the voters’ roll for the first time.
“New registrations for young person’s stands at 352 524. KwaZulu-Natal again leads with young person’s registration at 103 647 followed by Gauteng at 82 168 and in third is the Eastern Cape at 43 673. The gender split of the new registration is on this occasion, evenly split with female registrations accounting for 233 364, which is 51% whilst the male new registrations account for 224 020, which is 49%.
“As indicated, the voters’ roll now stands at 27.4 million. Gauteng remains the province with the biggest voting population at 6.4 million voters, followed by Kwazulu-Natal at 5.7 million, then the Eastern Cape at 3.4 million voters. The age category 20-29 at 4.3 million now represents 48% measured against the voting age population,” said Bapela.
She said the online registration portal has greater usage in the province of Gauteng at 99 522, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 43 240 and the Western Cape at 33 822. Bapela said young persons under the age of 29 account for 47% usage of the online registration portal.
Bapela said females are more likely to use the online portal more than males do at 58% or 139 313.
“With two registration weekends under its belt, the Commission now turns its focus on ramping up preparations for the NPE 2024. The next phase of the electoral programme includes these important activities. The Commission is calling for submissions from interested parties on the distribution of the 200 regional seats of the National Assembly.
“The period for public submissions closes on 20 February 2024. The Commission will consider the submissions and representations together with data voter population data in each region to determine the spread of the 200 seats. This work is an important precursor to candidate nomination as it will enable political parties to know how many candidates they may field in each respective region to national list,” said Bapela.
She said the number of candidates on a list may not exceed available on any election segment. Bapela said, furthermore, following public consultation, the Commission has now determined the quantum of election deposits for those political parties and independents who intend to contest the forthcoming elections.
“A political party that contests the compensatory seats in the National Assembly and in all the nine regions will need to deposit an amount of R300 000. Furthermore, a political party will have to pay R50 000 for each of the provincial legislatures.
“A political party that contests the compensatory seats in the National Assembly and in at least one region will deposit R225 000 and R25 000 for each additional region. Independent candidates will deposit R20 000 for each region they contest and R 15 000 for the election of a provincial legislature,” she said.
Bapela said deposits are refunded to parties and independent representatives that win a seat. She said the Gazette can be found here (http://tinyurl.com/EAARegulations).
“The Commission will also imminently publish its determination of the number of seats in each provincial legislature. The determination also follows a period of public consultation and representation by interested parties as well as data related to population in each province.
“The Electoral Commission is pleased to announce that a portal to capture signatures supporting nomination to contest Elections NPE 2024 is now available for use by unrepresented political parties and independent candidates. Independent candidates must be supported by 1000 voters in a region or province in which they stand,” said Bapela.
She said unrepresented parties must be endorsed by the equivalent of 15% of the quota of votes per seat in the previous election for a region or provincial legislature they intend to contest. The link for the platform is https://online.elections.org.za/MyIEC.
Bapela said thry remind those voters who are still not registered to go online or visit the offices of the Electoral Commission in municipalities to register.
“Registration will remain open until proclamation of the election date. The Commission reminds eligible voters of the general rule in elections. That is, a person votes at a voting station where they are registered.
“The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration upon notification to Commission by a date to be regulated by the Election Timetable. Details of the modalities of notification will be outlined in the not-too-distant future,” she said.
Bapela said they remind the nation to use their SMS 32810 line to check their registration status. She said their Contact Centre on 0800 11 8000 remains available for basket of assistance to register.
“Our WhatsApp line: 0600 88 000 is also available to assist voters,” she said.
Picture: A man standing next to the Toyota Hilux that was stolen in Pampierstad/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Kimberley VCIU request the assistance of the public in tracing a person of interest in solving a vehicle theft case. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the preliminary investigations indicate that, the owner of a white Toyota Hilux bakkie with registration number BGS243NC, parked the said vehicle in his yard not far from his bedroom window in Pampierstad, before going to sleep on 26 March 2023.
Sam said the owner noted during the early morning hours of Monday (27 March 2023) that, his vehicle was not were he parked it. He further said the owner realised that his vehicle might have been stolen, so he reported the matter to the police.
“During investigations, it was noted that the vehicle made a stop at a filling station in Hartwater as purported in the pictures herewith Police are interested in locating the man seen around the vehicle at the filling station.
“The police do not have any information regarding his identity and therefore request the assistance of the public in identifying him. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Detective Warrant Officer Morne Visagie at 083 456 5688 or 08600 10111 or sms annonymously to 32211 or via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.
A man (37) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court after raping a woman (22) in Batlharos village, outside Mothibistad. On 30 March 2019 at around 2am, the victim who was visiting her friend, went out to relieve herself in the backyard.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the suspect, Gomotsegang Reginald Modungwe who is affectionately known as Waga, accosted her. Kock said Waga forcefully took her into the toilet of a nearby house, where he severely assaulted her with his fists and stabbed her in the face.
“He instructed her to undress and raped her before locking her up inside a room. The victim managed to escape the following morning and alerted the police. Modungwe was arrested and remained in custody until he was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the life sentence that was handed down to Modungwe and reiterated that, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remains a priority crime and the police will continue to sharpen their responses to crimes committed against the most vulnerable in society.
Otola applauded D/Sgt Jamine Armstrong of the Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences(FCS) unit for her meticulous investigation that ensured no impunity is granted to the perpetrator of this heinous crime.
Picture: North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha
By OBAKENG MAJE North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said his department will this week (6-10 February 2024), observe the STI/Condom Week which is an initiative that seeks to raise awareness of the importance of practicing safe and protected sex.
Sambatha said the campaign encourages people, especially young adults to use condoms and prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spreading of Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like HIV/AIDS, syphilis and gonorrhoea.
Reflecting on the departmental commemorative plans, he further said it was pivotal to raise awareness about the significance of condoms and educate people on safe sex, especially young adolescents and teenagers.
“STDs are one of the major causes of death in the world. Teen pregnancies and unplanned pregnancies are also a big concern. This week reminds us of the importance of using condoms and practicing safe sex.
“The year 2024 marks almost 170 years since rubber condoms were used for the first time. Condoms are one of the few contraceptive methods that provide 98% protection from sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies,” he said.
Sambatha added that, everyone who is sexually active, should engage in conversations about safe sexual practices with their partners and to use condoms correctly whenever they have sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
He said using condoms is a form of self-care and a way to contribute to public health.
“Everyone has the right to make important decisions about their own sexual health and partners need to engage in open and honest conversations about safer sex practices as this will lead to healthy and enjoyable experiences.
“An STI is an infection passed from one person to another person through sexual contact. An infection is when a bacteria, virus, or parasite enters and grows in or on your body. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs,” said Sambatha.
He said some STIs can be cured and some STIs cannot be cured. Sambatha said for those STIs that cannot be cured, there are medicines to manage the symptoms.
“Some STIs are most common STDs such as Human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many people with HPV do not develop any symptoms, but can still infect others through sexual contact. Chlamydia is a common STD that can cause infection among both men and women.
“It can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. This can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb). Genital herpes is sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores,” he said.
Sambatha said it is caused by the herpes simplex virus and the disease can affect both men and women. He said pain, itching and small sores appear first.
“They form ulcers and scabs. After initial infection, genital herpes lies dormant in the body. Symptoms can recur for years. Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by infection with the Neisseria gonorrhoea bacterium. Gonorrhoea infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in women and men.
“HIV or the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the disease. HIV targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system,” said Sambatha.
He said this makes it easier to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infections and some cancers. Sambatha said syphilis is a preventable and curable bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI).
“If untreated, it can cause serious health issues. Syphilis in pregnancy may lead to stillbirth, newborn death and babies born with syphilis (congenital syphilis). It is important for individuals to go to the clinic for treatment if one suspect any signs and symptoms.
“Treatment for STIs and provision of condoms is given free of charge at primary healthcare clinics across the province. Most STIs are easily treated and can be cured. Public health facilities throughout the province will continue to educate the public about safe sexual practices and provide voluntary screening for STIs,” he said.
Sambatha said a provincial event will be convened in the Bojanala District later this month.
Picture: The drugs confiscated by police during arrest/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 814 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela for numerous crimes across the North West province. The North West police spokesperson, Captain Aaftje Botma said the arrested suspects included 47 for drug related offences, 20 for illegal dealing in liquor, 30 for driving under the influence of liquor, two for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Botma further said 165 arrests were made for serious and violent crimes that included murder, for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and 62 assault common and rape.
She added that, of the 814 suspects, 271 suspects were arrested during detective suspect raiding operations.
“Moreover, 30 suspected undocumented persons were handed over to the Immigration Officials for further processing. The operations also led to confiscations of numerous alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, a variety of drugs, four dangerous weapons, 12 cell phones, 4 handguns and 4 vehicles.
“In of one of the arrests on 4 February 2024, the vigilant members of Vryburg police station arrested a man (43) at the Taxi rank with 498 tablets suspected to be mandrax as well as a silver plastic bag containing a substances suspected to be Crystal Meth,” said Botma.
She said suspect is expected to appear today in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court for charges relating to Drugs and Drug trafficking Act, 1992 (Act No. 140 of 1992).
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police and all other role players for their continued and collaborative efforts to ensure that he those who perpetrate crime are brought to book.
The Guardian 